News
Castaway in bohemian-inspired paradise: Festive celebration at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru
The holiday season is just around the corner, and there is no better place to celebrate than at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru. As the year ends, the “twin islands” invite travellers globally for a series of enchanting festivities that will make their holidays truly memorable.
Embark on a memorable New Year’s Eve journey starting with a delectable dinner, followed by live music, and a thrilling countdown. This ‘Cast Away in Bohemian-Inspired Paradise’ theme allows guests to dress in their favourite attire, and just be comfortable with themselves.
As Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru ring in the New Year, a spectacular lineup of events awaits guests:
- Festive Tree Lighting: The celebration kicks off with a magical tree lighting ceremony on 22 December, setting the stage for a Bohemian-inspired year-end celebration. Guests can witness the twinkling lights and holiday spirit fill the air as we officially welcome the festive season.
- Kiddies O’clock: Special activities for the little ones are prepared, including Christmas Card Making and T-shirt Painting, ensuring they have as much fun as the adults throughout the festive season. On 23 December, they can participate in a magical Christmas Kids Party with Santa.
- Christmas Eve Sunset Cocktails and Christmas Eve Dinner: On 24 December, guests can enjoy a mesmerising sunset cocktail hour, serenaded by a delightful choir. Santa himself will make a special appearance, bearing gifts for all. Later in the evening, indulge in a sumptuous dinner with live entertainment to elevate the holiday spirit.
- Wellbeing Workshops: Guests can partake in a variety of wellbeing activities, including Sunset Yoga and Ocean Breath, Acupressure Workshop, Family Bonding Yoga, Year-end Gratitude Meditation, and New Year’s Resolution Yoga to rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul.
- Stay For Good: Engage in meaningful activities such as Christmas Coral Planting, Species Spotter, Marine Talk, and Corals’ Special Documentary to make a positive impact on this stunning destination.
- Culinary Experiences: For those looking to expand their culinary horizons, join the Japanese Whisky Class, Make Your Own Margarita, and Master the Art of Yakitori at Madi Hiyaa, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s newest architectural and gastronomic gem, an exceptional standalone overwater Yakitori Restaurant and Bar, featuring an incredible sea saltwater infinity pool, breathtaking sunset panoramas, caressed by the gentle sea breeze, and offering authentic Japanese cuisine with Maldivian twist. Madi Hiyaa is the best location for “lucky stingray spotting”, too.
- Beach Activities: Guests can engage in exciting beach activities, including a Football Match, Beach Tennis, and Beach Volleyball, as Guests vs Associates compete in the spirit of camaraderie.
- Watersports and Adventures: Thrill-seekers can indulge in a wide range of watersports, including Catamaran Sunrise, Sunset Cruise, Jet Ski, Parasailing and Big Game Fishing to satisfy their adventurous spirit.
- Maldivian Cultural Experience: Guests can immerse themselves in Maldivian culture and enjoy a Photoshoot in a traditional costume, capturing the essence of the Maldives in a memorable keepsake.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru are dedicated to making the festive season truly magical. View the full Festive Brochure 2023 – 2024 and be inspired to join for a celebration filled with joy, adventure, wellbeing, and meaningful experiences.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is a luxury barefoot tropical paradise at the heart of North Male’ Atoll, 25-minute away from Velana International Airport via speedboat. With 48 pool villas dotting around the island, privacy and relaxation can easily be attained. Stay at least 3 nights and save up to 20% off the best available rate, which includes daily breakfast and dinner for two guests, plus one-time sunset cruise. Find out more via Stay More Pay Less | Banyan Tree.
Situated approximately two-minute away via speedboat from Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru lies Dhawa Ihuru, a distinct island retreat of its own with 45 villas, and dubbed as “one of the best house reefs” and “diver’s paradise” in the Maldives. Take advantage of 20% off the best available rate, while maximum 2 kids below 11 years old enjoy complimentary “stay and dine” with parents. Discover more via Sharing Time | Dhawa Ihuru.
News
Marriott Bonvoy announces ‘Endless Summer’ promotion for Maldives stays in 2027
Summer need not end with a change of season. In the Maldives, warm turquoise waters, palm-fringed shores, and life lived outdoors invite travellers to follow their own calendar. For those planning the year ahead, Marriott Bonvoy’s Endless Summer campaign brings that invitation to four natural private-island resorts: Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa and The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection.

Endless Summer Offer at a Glance:
- Booking window: November 15-December 31, 2026
- Stay window: January 10-December 15, 2027
- Dining plans: From daily breakfast to all-inclusive, depending on the resort
- Children’s dining: Complimentary for children under 12
- Additional benefits: Dining privileges and resort credits toward eligible meals, spa treatments, and island activities, depending on the resort
- Minimum stay: Four nights
Here, an island holiday can take many forms, with each resort bringing a different perspective to the Maldives. Just 10 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Sheraton Maldives occupies Furanafushi Island in North Malé Atoll, where tropical gardens and a sheltered lagoon set an easygoing pace. The Westin Maldives, a wellness-focused retreat in Baa Atoll, and Le Méridien Maldives, a chic, eco-conscious hideaway on Thilamaafushi Island in Lhaviyani Atoll, are each a scenic 35-minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport. The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives spans two islands in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, reachable by a 90-minute seaplane journey or a domestic flight followed by a speedboat transfer.
Discover Maldivian Culture Through Its People
At Sheraton Maldives, a coconut palm becomes the starting point for a lesson in island ingenuity. During Maldivian Journey, a weekly gathering on Kakuni Beach, guests discover how climbing, grating, and weaving turn an everyday part of the landscape into food, shelter, and craft. For a different view of the country, the resort can arrange a visit to Malé, taking in the capital’s fish market, Presidential Palace, museum, and shops. From The Westin Maldives, a boat trip to Eydhafushi introduces guests to the rhythms of a local island beyond the resort’s shores.
Food and music continue the conversation. Weekly Maldivian-themed evenings at Sheraton Maldives and The Westin Maldives pair local cooking with the drumbeats of bodu beru. At The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, culinary classes, and experiences inspired by explorer H.C.P. Bell connect guests with the heritage and rhythms of the far south. Traditional handline fishing connects guests to the sea through patience and knowledge passed down through generations of Maldivian fishermen.
Marine Discovery Beyond the Beach
A dhoni ride may reveal spinner dolphins leaping above the waves. Beneath the water, each island has its own story. From Sheraton Maldives, snorkelling excursions to Shark Point bring guests alongside nurse sharks. Le Méridien Maldives’ house reef invites exploration, with hawksbill turtles spotted year-round. Within Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives opens a window onto marine life, including seasonal manta ray encounters and occasional whale shark sightings at Hanifaru Bay. Marine biologist sessions, coral planting, and turtle identification deepen the connection. At The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, explore two house reefs with private Marine Butlers, spotting resident sea turtles and nurse sharks, or venture farther on the signature Journey to the Equator for an open-water swim near the equatorial line.

Shared Island Discoveries for Families
At Le Méridien Maldives, families join the resident horticulturist for foraging and a closer look at soil-free cultivation in one of the Maldives’ largest hydroponic greenhouses. Sheraton Maldives takes the classroom outdoors with a guided botanical and wildlife walk led by the resort botanist. At The Westin Maldives, mothers and daughters unwind together at the spa and learn to make a natural face scrub to recreate at home. Dedicated kids’ clubs give younger travelers their own space for play and learning, leaving adults free to linger over lunch, head to the spa, or enjoy a quiet hour beside the water.
From Morning Movement to Evenings by the Ocean
Togetherness need not mean following the same schedule. The pleasure lies in coming back together with something to share. For travellers who like to begin the day in motion, The Westin Maldives’ Move Well philosophy brings together workouts at the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, tennis, swimming, and island runs, alongside guided yoga and meditation. A friendly padel match at Le Méridien Maldives brings out a competitive streak before guided stargazing turns attention skyward, where the island’s near-equatorial setting reveals constellations from both hemispheres. At The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, guests can alternate between a lively match on the padel court and floating yoga in the lagoon. At Sheraton Maldives, guests gather on Kakuni Beach for bocce ball and beach table tennis, joining in a little lighthearted competition.
A private sandbank picnic or a destination dining experience in a secluded island setting creates room for honeymoons, anniversaries, or family celebrations. International all-day dining sits alongside specialty restaurants drawing on Japanese, pan-Asian, Mediterranean, Indian, and Maldivian flavours to suit every palate.
Villas and Rooms for Every Generation
Across these resorts, accommodations make room for romantic escapes, vacations with friends, and multigenerational gatherings. Sheraton Maldives’ 176 rooms and villas range from interconnecting guest rooms to beachfront and overwater retreats. Le Méridien Maldives’ 134 beach and overwater villas include the 280-square-meter Three-Bedroom Thilamaafushi Villa, ideal for family celebrations. The Westin Maldives’ 69 pool villas include one- and two-bedroom beach and overwater options, with the 194-square-meter Two-Bedroom Heavenly Beach Residence providing space for generations to gather. At The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, 38 beachfront and overwater pool villas span two private islands, each with personalised butler service, while the 1,250-square-metre Halcyon Grand Estate provides added space and privacy for families and friends.

Click here to book your Endless Summer vacation, or visit marriott.com/maldives to explore Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in the Maldives.
Featured
Secret Paradise Maldives secures Travelife Partner Award renewal
Maldivian tour operator Secret Paradise Maldives has successfully renewed its Travelife Partner Award, recognising the company’s continued commitment to responsible tourism, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
The renewal acknowledges Secret Paradise’s progress in implementing responsible tourism practices and integrating sustainability across its business operations.
The Travelife Partner standard requires tour operators to meet more than 100 sustainability criteria covering office management, business operations, product development, international business partners and customer information. Based on the ISO 26000 guidelines on corporate social responsibility, the criteria address areas including environmental protection, biodiversity, human rights and labour relations.
Since its establishment in 2012, Secret Paradise has focused on demonstrating how tourism can generate positive outcomes for local communities and the environment. The company’s approach includes supporting local businesses, creating opportunities for communities, promoting responsible marine encounters and encouraging visitors to develop a greater understanding of Maldivian culture and the natural environment.
Commenting on the renewal, Ruth Franklin, Co-Founder of Secret Paradise Maldives, said: “Sustainability is an ongoing journey, one that requires continuous commitment, reflection and a willingness to evolve. There is always more we can do.
“We have always believed that tourism should benefit the people and places that make the Maldives so special. This means looking beyond the experiences we deliver to consider how we operate, the partners we work with and the impact our activities have on local communities and the environment. We are proud of the progress we have made and remain committed to doing more.”
Naut Kusters, Manager of Travelife for Tour Operators, welcomed the renewal, highlighting the growing importance of sustainability within the tourism industry.
“I am delighted to see that sustainability in the tour operator sector is obtaining momentum. The Partner renewal award of Secret Paradise will continue to inspire other companies in Maldives to follow the same path,” he said.
Travelife is an international sustainability certification programme for tour operators and travel agents, supported by more than 35 national travel associations worldwide, including ABTA in the United Kingdom, ANVR in the Netherlands and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
The programme comprises three stages: Travelife Engaged, Travelife Partner and Travelife Certified.
Following the successful renewal of its Travelife Partner status, Secret Paradise Maldives intends to further strengthen its sustainability practices as it works towards achieving Travelife Certified status.
Fashion
Finolhu Maldives to welcome artist Araceli Adams for ceramics masterclasses
Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is set to welcome contemporary artist Araceli Adams for an exclusive festive residency from 20 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. Bringing together art, nature and the joy of creative expression, the residency invites guests to discover the world of ceramics through immersive workshops inspired by the extraordinary marine life and natural beauty of the Maldives.
Known for her distinctive artistic interpretations of marine life on ceramics, Adams draws inspiration from the natural world, transforming everyday objects into expressive works of art. Through Araceli Adams, her creative practice celebrates the beauty and diversity of ocean life, making her residency a natural fit for Finolhu’s spectacular setting within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll.
Throughout the festive season, guests will have the opportunity to explore their artistic side under Adams’ guidance, discovering the pleasures of working with ceramics in a relaxed and inspiring island environment. Designed for both beginners and those with a passion for art, the experiences encourage creativity, personal expression and a deeper appreciation of the marine world.
The residency begins with a meet-and-greet at Finolhu’s cocktail party on 21 December, offering guests an opportunity to meet the artist and discover the inspiration behind her work. An introductory pottery experience on 24 December will set the tone for a series of intimate creative sessions, followed by group masterclasses taking place between Christmas Day and 3 January.
Limited to just six participants per session, the masterclasses offer a more personal and engaging opportunity to learn from Adams while creating individual pieces inspired by the colours, textures and marine surroundings of the island. For guests seeking a more tailored experience, private pottery sessions will also be available, providing an intimate setting for individuals, couples and families to explore their creativity together.
The residency forms part of Finolhu’s festive celebrations, Magic by the Sea, bringing an artistic dimension to the resort’s seasonal programme. Beyond the traditional festivities, the collaboration offers guests an opportunity to slow down, discover a new creative pursuit and create meaningful memories through hands-on experiences.
The collaboration with Araceli Adams continues Finolhu’s commitment to bringing international creative talent to the island. Earlier in 2026, the resort welcomed celebrated British designer Matthew Williamson for an exclusive October residency, introducing guests to his distinctive world of colour, pattern and design through creative masterclasses and personalised experiences. In November, contemporary artist and photographer Yakov Khomich brought his artistic perspective to Finolhu’s Art Lab, further enriching the resort’s programme of immersive creative encounters. Together, these residencies reflect Finolhu’s growing reputation as a destination where art, design and island living come together.
Art and creativity have long been part of Finolhu’s distinctive island identity. With its contemporary design, vibrant atmosphere and dedicated Art Lab, the resort embraces creative expression as an integral part of the guest experience. The collaboration with Araceli Adams further reflects this philosophy, connecting guests with the island’s remarkable natural surroundings through art.
Set against the backdrop of Finolhu’s turquoise lagoon, pristine beaches and iconic two-kilometre sandbank, the residency offers a refreshing way to experience the festive season. Whether discovering ceramics for the first time or simply enjoying a shared creative moment with loved ones, guests are invited to embrace the freedom of artistic expression in one of the world’s most beautiful island settings.
Araceli Adams’ residency at Finolhu will take place from 20 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, with group masterclasses scheduled between 25 December and 3 January and private pottery sessions available from 24 December to 2 January. Advance reservations are recommended due to limited availability.
For further information and reservations, visit www.finolhu.com or contact stay@finolhu.com.
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